Fire hits mountain range in Solsona-Apayao road

By John Michael Mugas

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — A forest fire razed a portion of a mountain range at the scenic Solsona-Apayao road in Ilocos Norte Feb. 25.
    Authorities said the Bureau of Fire Protection recorded the fire to have started  around 6:55 p.m.
    Fire alarm level three was raised by authorities, prompting fire fighters from nearby towns to respond to help in dousing the blaze, the Solsona local government said in a statement.
    The BFP said “strong and variable direction wind” drove rapid spread of the fire, with flames raging to over around 10 hectares of the mountain near Solsona  viewdeck.
    It was also “aggravated by the existence of dried cogon grass and pine trees,” added BFP, adding that they tried to stop the fire from spreading to “the other side of the mountains.”
    The fire has been within “controlled level” the next day but the area remained under monitoring by authorities due to lingering smoke, and the strong northeast wind may trigger flames.
    The BFP said that there have been no casualties or injuries reported so far.
    At the start of the fire, Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc convened an emergency meeting with Solsona local government, the provincial resiliency office, Philippine Air Force, BFP, 505th Search and Rescue Group, and Philippine     National Police to contain the fire, Solsona Mayor Joseph de Lara said.
    The local government also ordered temporary closure of the viewdeck.
    The cause of the fire was still being investigated.
    Solsona-Apayao road is a popular destination for its bike and hike trails, and to tourists for its scenic view of the mountain’s lush greenery.